Last year, the Rangers signed the already known Colby Lewis away from Japan. The Rangers have gone back to the Japanese well, signing relief pitcher Toshinori Tateyama according to T.R. Sullivan.
The 35 year old right hander was a member of the Nippon Ham Fighters last year. Per Sullivan:
He had a 1.80 ERA for the Nippon Ham Fighters out of Hokkaido last seaspon with 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings over 55 innings. He was 1-2 with four saves. He turns 35 on Dec. 26 and is a 12-year veteran of the Japanese Major Leagues.
The side-armer held opposing batters to a .213 (43-202) average with 11 walks and 59 strikeouts, allowing just 3 home runs. Opposing right-handers hit just .186 (26-140). The Ham Fighters were 41-14-3 in his 58 appearances in 2010.
Tateyama will compete for a spot in the Rangers bullpen and possibly further solidify it in the event of American League Rookie of the Year winner Neftali Feliz moving to the rotation.
To discuss the signing, head over to Lone Star Ball.